Acrylic on cardboard – 9,5 x 7 inch – Unique work

When you were born, you were a redhead, my pretty doll. The love of my life.

You get that from me; I was a redhead as a child, and my skin is even whiter than yours. My miracle baby. Since that day, we’ve been through so much. Life is far from being a smooth ride.

Throughout your school years, your hair color was an issue. I only found out much later. You kept so many wounds to yourself. You always spared me so much. Such gentleness, protection, and anger too, emanate from you. I feel it, I see it.

It took you a long time to accept this heavy hair legacy. Society is cruel, people are so mean. Yet, you held on, desperately. Whatever you do, success beckons. You stand out whether you want to or not. That’s just how it is.

Now you’re moving forward on your own path, your confidence close at hand. You make your own choices, and sometimes you hesitate. It’s like a huge puzzle to build step by step. Sometimes I’m still a part of your life, and it feels so good, so sweet.

Two or three more discreet, swift stabs, and a shape appears in your arms. Like a ghost, our beloved cat has slipped onto the canvas. He was your constant companion throughout your teenage years. A strong character, but unwavering loyalty and faithfulness. He remains in our hearts, but his absence weighs heavily upon us.

Come on, every day is a new day, an adventure to be fully lived. Surprises are bound to await us. Your life will be extraordinary because you will have chosen it that way. You just have to believe, and everything will happen in its own time. Sometimes the slowness exasperates us, but that’s the way it is. We mustn’t rush things; the universe doesn’t allow it. Every moment counts and teaches us a new lesson to move forward more serenely and for the long term.

Listening to Étienne Daho’s latest album, to the song “Only for You,” punctuated with “Love, Love, Love,” I’m closing this beautiful chapter of a very personal story. I hear your voice echoing in my head, I smell your sweet scent when I hold you in my arms and wish that moment could last forever.

Remember me, remember us like I will always remember you, remember us…